GUELPH, ONTARIO BY-ELECTION:
VOTE FOR REAL ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

August 27, 2008

Canada is watching Guelph in the buildup to the September 2008 by-election. We are one of three municipalities to hold by-elections on Sept. 8 and all parties hope that a good showing in these by-elections will forecast success in the next general election.

With Canada watching, it is all the more important to publicly declare climate change a critical voting issue among voters in Guelph. Global warming is a problem of such urgency and scale that it presents an unprecedented call to action. It has increasingly become a key voting issue not just for those who consider themselves environmentalists, but for all concerned citizens regardless of political affiliation.

Follow these links to find out more:

GUELPH: FREE NON-PARTISAN LAWN SIGNS BEFORE SEPT. 8:
email vtacc.guelph@gmail.com

Wondering about our agenda? Click here to find out more about VTACC.

Joint statement in support of BC's revenue-neutral carbon tax

June 25, 2008

We the undersigned want to publicly state our support for the revenue-neutral carbon tax which comes into effect in British Columbia on July 1st.

We think that shifting taxes from income and earnings to the emissions which cause global warming is a smart move. Putting a price on the emissions which cause global warming will provide all of us – individuals, families and industry alike – with an incentive to reduce those emissions. Over time, it will also lead to changes in how we build communities, making them more sustainable places to live and work.

Gradually increasing the tax on emissions in the future provides certainty for decision makers, and sends the message that families and businesses need to plan now to reduce emissions over the long term, regardless of what happens to the price of oil. By providing a secure investment climate, this tax shift will help prepare BC businesses to be competitive in the coming low carbon economy.

A government that is serious and honest about reducing greenhouse gases will implement policies that put a price on emissions. All of the experts in this field and all of the experiences from other countries confirm that we have to price emissions in order to reduce them. The policy that does this most efficiently, most fairly and with the best outcome for economic growth is a carbon tax which returns revenues to those most impacted. BC’s new carbon tax does this by shifting taxes from income to emissions.

We think that the tax shift is well designed. It is transparent in application, and tax revenues are returned to British Columbians in a way which ensures that those with the lowest incomes are not unfairly impacted. This is not a tax increase. It is simply a shift of taxes from things we like – income – to something we want to get rid of – the pollution which causes global warming.

The evidence shows that the tax does not impact any one region of the province more than another. All those who purchase and consume fossil fuels in the province, from individual consumers to the largest industries, will have to pay the carbon tax. We think that is fair.

We are compelled to make this statement today because we are concerned that the importance of taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is being overshadowed by rancorous debate. We think that the climate crisis is bigger than partisan politics, and we know that many British Columbians want political parties to set aside their differences and work together to bring forward effective policies, for the sake of our economy, our children, and our planet.

The introduction of the carbon tax is an important first step towards meeting the province's ambitious emission reduction goals and it deserves the support of all British Columbians.

Sincerely,

David Demers, CEO Westport Innovations
Len Laycock, President Upholstery Arts
Jonathan Rhone, CEO Nexterra
David Green UBC Economist
John Richards, SFU Economist
Kevin Washbrook, Director, Voters Taking Action on Climate Change
Bruce Sanguin, Minister, Canadian Memorial United Church
David Dranchuck, Environment Unit, Anglican Diocese of New Westminster
Kenneth Gray, Environmental Committee, Anglican Diocese of BC
Cheeying Ho, Executive Director Smart Growth BC
Marc Lee, Senior Economist, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
Patrick M Condon, James Taylor Chair in Landscape and Liveable Environments, UBC
Stephen Owen, Vice President UBC

Fighting global warming by transforming society

June 5, 2008

Voters Taking Action on Climate Change believes that grassroots public mobilisation is the best way to drive governments to take strong steps to fight global warming. We've seen how citizens working with businesses, faith groups and environmental organisations have moved the BC government on the carbon tax this year. We know that when people get organised it makes a powerful impression on politicians.

We also know that global warming is a problem of such urgency and scale that it transcends boundaries and presents an unprecedented call to action. Millions around the world deal with the impacts of global warming on a daily basis right now. If we keep on our current path, the time before we reach climate changing temperature thresholds planet wide is measured in decades. For the sake of those dealing with this crisis now, and for our children’s future, we need to confront this problem head on today.

The scale of change required demands more than just incremental improvements to the status quo. The emissions that cause global warming are a by-product of almost every aspect of our daily lives, and fundamental changes in how we organise society will be required if we are to reduce emissions enough to keep our earth’s temperature within healthy limits. We need short term policy improvements to be sure, but we also need to transform how we live in the world if solutions are to match the scale of the problem we face.

Clearly, global warming is not just an "environmental" problem, of concern to special interests or the responsibility of select groups. None of us can leave this problem to someone else to solve. None of us can solve this problem alone. It's time to come together with others to fight global warming. We need to build a movement that is as broad as the problem is large.

Fortunately, all of us working to confront this problem can look to groups working for social justice – on issues of homelessness, poverty, racism, and so on – as natural allies. By learning from and working with those who have long been envisioning fundamental social change, we can help ensure that society is reorganised in ways that are both fair and sustainable.

If you want to consider how to link the fight against global warming with efforts at social transformation, visit these sites:

The Jemez Principles for Democratic Organising
http://www.ejnet.org/ej/jemez.pdf

The Bali Principles of Climate Justice
http://www.indiaresource.org/issues/energycc/2003/baliprinciples.html

BC's carbon tax still needs your help!

May 6, 2008

BC's carbon tax is not yet law, and attention will be focused on the measure in the legislature and at the North Central Municipal AGM in the next few days. This is a key time to show support for this tax, and to press the province to provide support for local governments and agencies as they gear up to lower emission from their operations.

We think that a review of the available evidence doesn't support the argument that the carbon tax is an unfair burden on the Interior, as emission related costs likely average across the province. VTACC is encouraging citizens living in municipalities and districts which have passed resolutions opposing the tax to contact their local governments to express their support for the measure. Background information on the fairness of the tax is provided on our our carbon tax campaign page, along with contact information for municipalities which have opposed the tax, and contact information (organized by community) for key Interior MLAs who need to hear that the public supports this measure.

It is clear that local governments and public agencies such as school boards and health authorities all over BC will face higher costs because of the carbon tax -- and will not receive the corresponding tax cuts delivered to individuals and small businesses. While we don't think Victoria shouldn't provide exemptions from the tax, we think the province should use carbon tax revenue collected from local governments and agencies to provide them with the resources needed to lower emissions from their operations.

Now is a key time to make this point to Victoria, because the tax will soon be voted on in the legislature. Individuals and institutions all need the incentive to reduce emissions which this measure provides. However, our public institutions need help to make it happen. Key contacts on both sides of the aisle are provided below.

Premier Gordon Campbell premier@gov.bc.ca
Finance Minister Carole Taylor carole.taylor.mla@leg.bc.ca
Minister of Community Services ida.chong.mla@leg.bc.ca

NDP leader Carole James carole.james.mla@leg.bc.ca
NDP finance critic Bruce Ralson bruce.ralston.mla@leg.bc.ca
NDP Environment Critic
Shane Simpson shane.simpson.mla@leg.bc.ca

Wecome to Joyce Murray, Liberal MP for Vancouver Quadra

March 22, 2008

We congratulate Joyce Murray on winning the federal by-election in Vancouver Quadra. We have had the opportunity to meet with Joyce on several occasions, and we are convinced she is deeply concerned about climate change and committed to achieving deep reductions in emissions. We wish her success in Ottawa and look forward to Joyce and the rest of the Liberal opposition pushing hard for real action on climate change.

The Vancouver Quadra by-election was a close one, in no small part because the Green Party increased its share of the vote by 160 percent over the 2006 election. We think this reflects the deep and ongoing concern of the general public about climate change and its desire for government to take action. We hope all the federal parties take this message to heart and collaborate on bringing forward effective regulations and policies to reduce emissions.

Vancouver Quadra By-election: What to do?

March 14, 2008

Over the course of the spring, summer and fall of 2007 we were able to meet with the Liberal, NDP and Green candidates in the Vancouver Quadra by-election. Just over a month ago we finally had the chance to sit down with the Conservative candidate. Two weeks ago we held a candidates’ climate change town hall (see below for a link to the video recording of the event) which gave 150 constituents the chance to hear the Liberal, NDP and Green candidates present their views (the Conservative candidate declined to attend).

This election comes down to supporting the existing government in Ottawa or calling for change. After two years in power, the best the Conservative government can offer us in terms of policy are loop-hole ridden regulatory frameworks which will allow emissions to continue to rise. Their argument that the previous Liberal government did no better has worn pretty thin – the seriousness of the problem has only become clearer, and its time for action, not finger pointing. The Conservative candidate who hopes to represent us in the riding, Deb Meredith, was harder to schedule a meeting with than Premier Campbell, and her insistence that Canada could dramatically reduce emissions without putting a price on carbon was disappointing. We are forced to conclude that neither she nor her party takes this issue seriously enough to warrant our votes.

Where does that leave us with the three other candidates? We have considered long and hard the relative merits of voting strategically and voting on principle. There are pros and cons to both approaches, and we hope you will consider them seriously. Here are some points to keep in mind:

Strategic voting:

  • if the climate friendly vote is seriously split between the Greens, the Liberals, and the NDP, that could result in the this election sending another Conservative to Ottawa;

Voting on principle:

  • the Green Party has the strongest set of emission reduction policies, and is the only party to explicitly endorse a national carbon tax – a measure which we strongly support.

Finally, if you want to see the full recording of our candidates' climate change town hall, go here:
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-1229818076242479566

In any case, we urge you to get out and vote on March 17th – and to encourage your friends and family to do the same. Use this opportunity to make your voice heard!

What is REAL ACTION on Climate Change? Part 2

March 6, 2008

Canadians have been ahead of government for some time in demanding effective policies to reduce emissions and fight global warming. A steady stream of high-level business organisations have recently released reports calling for action. Rather than waiting and hoping that one or more of the federal parties will lay out an effective climate policy package, it is time for Canadians – business people, members of faith groups, environmental activists and all concerned citizens – to come together around a consensus package of key climate change policies.

We have reviewed recent reports, we've talked to experts such as Mark Jaccard, and we've been in discussion with groups working on policy analysis and environmental advocacy. We present below what we've synthesized to date. Your comments are welcome.

What we hope to establish, through dialogue and discussion, is a broadly agreed upon set of policies which any political party that aspires to form a government must adopt, if it wants to receive the vote of citizens concerned about climate change. One of the most important things we can do as citizens right now is encourage a race to the top, in terms of effective emission reduction policies, among all federal political parties.

Proposed set of federal climate change policies

  1. Putting a price on carbon emissions using some combination of the following measures, in a way which ameliorates impacts on the least well-off in society:
    • a national tax on emissions, with tax levels rising over time;
    • a cap and trade program for large emitters, with the cap declining over time;
    • a carbon management standard for fuel producers and importers, with the percent of carbon captured and stored rising over time;
  2. Working with the most progressive jurisdictions in North America to establish continually improving zero and low emission vehicle portfolio requirements (including vehicles for freight transportation), and continually improving fuel efficiency standards;
  3. Developing continually improving federal appliance efficiency standards, and working with the provinces to establish continuously improving building codes;
  4. Investing in the research and development of low and zero emission energy sources, energy conservation and efficiency, carbon capture and storage, and the enhancement of natural carbon sinks;
  5. Establishing permanent, ongoing federal funding for public transit and an end to federal funding for highway expansion;
  6. In particular, ensuring an absolute reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions from Alberta's tar sands.
  7. Finally, we think that Canada should commit to taking a leadership role in multilateral initiatives to cut carbon emissions.

Vancouver Quadra By-election

February 22, 2008

Vancouver Quadra By-election: Candidates' Global Warming Town Hall
Thursday March 6th at 7:00 p.m., St James Community Square, West 10th Ave and Trutch

There are tough decisions to be made in the Vancouver Quadra By-Election. Which candidate -- and which party -- can best address your concerns about climate change in Ottawa? Before you vote...ask some questions! Invite your friends and neighbours from across the political spectrum to attend and get some answers.

Kirk Lapointe, Managing Editor of the Vancouver Sun, will be moderating, and so far the Liberal, NDP and Green party candidates have agreed to attend. We hope that the Conservative candidate will come as well.

We want your help in developing the questions for the candidates. Please email your questions on the candidates' views and commitment to action, their party's policies on climate change and any other topic you think is relevant to the discussion to climate_action@vtacc.org. We'll select the best of the bunch to be presented by the moderator. (Some written questions will also be taken from the floor.)

We hope to see you there!

BC has a carbon tax!

February 20, 2008

The carbon tax announced in yesterday's budget was truly remarkable: it covers all fossil fuels, it contains a clear schedule of future increases, there are GST style rebates for low income families, and revenue neutrality is laid out in a clear and transparent fashion. This was a true leadership move by BC in the fight against climate change, and the government deserves your thanks on this.

One caveat...
Of course, we would have liked the tax to be introduced at a higher rate to start with. It starts at $10/tonne, and only rises to $30 tonne by 2012. Many economists argue that $30 per tonne is about the level we will start to see an influence on decision making. The government itself estimates that at the rates they have set the tax will account for less than 10 percent of the emission reductions the province hopes to achieve by 2020 . We'll keep pushing to see the tax rate increased, but it is important to keep in mind that what was put in place in Tuesday's budget is a very important first step in fundamentally changing how we approach emissions reductions.

This measure still needs a show of public support!
There is sure to be a backlash, as well as misrepresentation -- intentional or otherwise -- of what these changes mean, so please consider registering your support with the major newspapers today:

Please also write to your local newspaper to express your support for the measure. British Columbians need to hear directly from people they know and respect that the carbon tax is a good idea.

Politicians need to know when we appreciate what they have done:
Carole Taylor also needs a pat on the back for shepherding this measure through government over the past months. Please consider sending her and Premier Campbell a message to let them know you appreciate the fact that she went out on a limb on this:

And those who don't agree need to know the public supports this tax shift:
Some MLA's and cabinet ministers were not supportive of this shift of taxes from income to emissions. One in particular, Liberal MLA Bill Bennett, spoke out loudly against the tax in the final days before the budget was released. He stated several times that he didn't think this measure had the support of average British Columbians. His views are important, because Mr Bennett is chair of the provincial finance and budget committee. Please take a moment to tell him that you support this important move:

Finally, the NDP opposition has also been roundly critical of the budget. Granted, that's their job, but we think they should take a moment to rally behind this important measure in a non-partisan way before they move on to criticise other elements of the budget that deserve serious attention. Please take a minute to let the opposition leader and finance critic know you support this tax shift, and ask them to be specific in their criticisms of the carbon tax so that we can all work to improve it to best serve the needs of all British Columbians.

What's next?
There will need to be some follow up in the climate change plan the province will release next month to back up this tax shift and the incentives it creates for action. Specifically, the province needs to introduce supporting regulations laying out requirements for vehicle fuel efficiency and emission standards, clean fuel standards, minimum efficiency standards for appliances and homes, changes to land use zoning and bylaws requiring compact development, and so on. As carbon related prices rise, British Columbians will want to make low emission choices, but the market will not always be ready to provide them. The government can prime the market by raising minimum efficiency standards and requirements across the board. The climate change plan also needs to lay out clear rules to ensure that all large emitters achieve their share of emission reductions.

Finally, there are other problems with the budget, specifically continued subsidies for oil and gas exploration and development, and continued heavy spending on highway expansion, that run counter to yesterday's good news. We need to continue to work hard to turn those things around, but please take the time to celebrate the major change we all achieved this week. BC is now at the forefront of environmental price reform in North America.

What is real action on climate change?

February 5, 2008

People who have seen our lawn signs sometimes ask us what we mean by "real action" on climate change. It is a good question. With an election nearing in the federal riding of Vancouver Quadra, some people are putting up signs for Liberal, Green Party, NDP and Conservative candidates next to our Voters Taking Action on Climate Change signs. Are all the parties offering real action?

Voters Taking Action on Climate Change has not endorsed any party platform or candidate. What we are calling for is for governments at all levels to introduce cost effective, efficient and transparent measures which will quickly reduce emissions. At the federal level, the measures featured in an effective climate change policy package will include:

  • An absolute cap on emissions from all sectors of the economy, including emissions from tar sands production;
  • a revenue-neutral carbon tax applied on all fossil fuels when they enter the economy, and a clear schedule of future annual increases in that tax;
  • supporting regulations setting minimum standards for energy efficiency in appliances, homes, vehicles, land use, etc., and regulations setting maximum carbon contents in fuels.

Below are some measures which are NOT effective at reducing emissions and fighting climate change:

  • Intensity targets for emissions reductions, which allow absolute emissions to continue to rise as the economy grows;
  • Voluntary measures, or extensive subsidies, incentives, rebates or education programs to encourage action on the part of individuals or firms.

This recommended climate change policy package is a work in progress. This is an amazing time of collaboration between business and environmental groups across the country, and a consensus is building on a clear set of climate change goals which any future federal government should be held to. Check back for updates.

If you want to do some additional research into what some of the major business groups, economists and environmental leaders are suggesting we do, consider these resources:

National Roundtable on the Economy and the Environment:
Getting to 2050: Canada's transition to a low emission future.
http://www.nrtee-trnee.ca/eng/index-eng.html

Conference Board of Canada:
Use green taxes and market measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
http://www.conferenceboard.ca/documents.asp?rnext=2426

Hot Air: Meeting Canada's Climate Challenge
Jeffery Simpson, Mark Jaccard, Nic Rivers
http://www.mcclelland.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780771080968

Plan B 3.0 Mobilizing to Save Civilization
Lester R Brown
http://www.earth-policy.org/Books/PlanB_contents.htm

In the meantime, if you want to determine which federal political party's policies are most likely to lead to real action on climate change right now, take a look at what they have to say so far:

Conservative Party:
http://www.conservative.ca/EN/4739/78192

Green Party:
http://www.greenparty.ca/en/policy/documents/gp2

Liberal Party:
http://www.liberal.ca/environment_e.aspx

New Democratic Party:
http://www.ndp.ca/node/4048

Urgent: contact a cabinet minister today to ensure BC gets a revenue-neutral carbon tax in next month's budget!

January 22, 2008

Right now the BC cabinet is debating whether or not to proceed with a revenue-neutral carbon tax in the upcoming budget. Some cabinet members remain unconvinced of the merit of this fundamental shift of taxes from income and earnings to emissions. Fears of a recession in the United States may discourage others currently sitting on the fence from supporting this cost effective and efficient approach to fighting climate change. These people need to be encouraged to stay the course! We are committed as a province to reducing emissions, and a carbon tax is an important first step in getting the job done.

The question cabinet ministers should be asking themselves isn't can we afford to reduce emissions, it's can we afford not to. Already, jurisdictions in the US are passing laws against purchasing electricity produced with high carbon fuels (such as oil from the tar sands). China is years ahead of us in terms of installed renewable capacity. Change is coming, and if BC isn't prepared we will be left behind. BC is poised to play a leadership role in fighting climate change – if cabinet has the courage to follow through with a carbon tax.

Please take a moment to email the cabinet ministers below to let them know that you want them to introduce a substantial carbon tax on all fossil fuels in next month’s budget. Let them know that a gradually increasing carbon tax, combined with a decrease in personal and corporate taxes, is a clear headed plan for fighting climate change while preparing BC businesses for the low emission economy which lies ahead.

Email addresses for cabinet ministers (simply cut and paste into your email if you want to send them all a message):

john.vandongen.mla@leg.bc.ca
mike.dejong.mla@leg.bc.ca
murray.coell.mla@leg.bc.ca
pat.bell.mla@leg.bc.ca
wally.oppal.mla@leg.bc.ca
tom.christensen.mla@leg.bc.ca
linda.reid.mla@leg.bc.ca
ida.chong.mla@leg.bc.ca
colin.hansen.mla@leg.bc.ca
shirley.bond.mla@leg.bc.ca
claude.richmond.mla@leg.bc.ca
richard.neufeld.mla@leg.bc.ca
barry.penner.mla@leg.bc.ca
rich.coleman.mla@leg.bc.ca
george.abbott.mla@leg.bc.ca
olga.ilich.mla@leg.bc.ca
kevin.krueger.mla@leg.bc.ca
john.les.mla@leg.bc.ca
rick.thorpe.mla@leg.bc.ca
stan.hagen.mla@leg.bc.ca
gordon.hogg.mla@leg.bc.ca
kevin.falcon.mla@leg.bc.ca

Their respective roles in cabinet:

Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations
Hon. John van Dongen
Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and Government House Leader
Hon. Mike De Jong
Minister of Advanced Education (and Minister responsible for Research and Technology)
Hon. Murray Coell
Minister of Agriculture and Lands
Hon. Pat Bell
Attorney General (and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism)
Hon. Wally Oppal
Minister of Children and Family Development
Hon. Tom Christensen
Minister of State for Childcare
Hon. Linda Reid
Minister of Community Services (and Minister responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues)
Hon. Ida Chong
Minister of Economic Development (and Minister responsible for the Asia-Pacific Initiative and the Olympics)
Hon. Colin Hansen
Minister of Education and Deputy Premier (and Minister responsible for Early Learning and Literacy)
Hon. Shirley Bond
Minister of Employment and Income Assistance
Hon. Claude Richmond
Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
Hon. Richard Neufeld
Minister of Environment (and Minister responsible for Water Stewardship and Sustainable Communities)
Hon. Barry Penner
Minister of Forests and Range (and Minister responsible for Housing)
Hon. Rich Coleman
Minister of Health
Hon. George Abbott
Minister of Labour and Citizens' Services
Hon. Olga Ilich
Minister of State for Mining
Hon. Kevin Krueger
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Hon. John Les
Minister of Small Business and Revenue and Minister responsible for Regulatory Reform
Hon. Rick Thorpe
Minister of Tourism, Sports and the Arts
Hon. Stan Hagen
Minister of State for ActNow BC
Hon. Gordon Hogg
Minister of Transportation
Hon. Kevin Falcon

Open Letter From 90 BC Businesses To Finance Minister Carole Taylor Calling For A Revenue Neutral Carbon Tax

January 22, 2008

Open Letter From 90 BC Businesses To Finance Minister Carole Taylor Calling For A Revenue Neutral Carbon Tax

January 14, 2008

Dear Minister Taylor,

We are writing to express our support for the inclusion of a revenue neutral carbon tax in this year's provincial budget. The British Columbia government has committed to substantial reductions in the emissions that cause climate change, and a carbon tax would be a major step towards meeting that goal.

Shifting taxes from income and corporate earnings to carbon emissions will provide an incentive to reduce emissions while ensuring that BC firms remain competitive and wage earners are not adversely impacted. It will send a message to the world that British Columbia continues to be a great place to live and do business, and that its government is committed to a leadership role in the fight against climate change.

A transparent tax applied to carbon containing fuels when they are produced or imported will send a clear signal to firms and consumers that contributing to climate change comes at a cost. In addition, because a tax allows decision makers to individually and independently decide how best to reduce their costs and lower emissions, it will allow BC to meet its climate change targets more efficiently and at lower cost than could be achieved by regulating reductions.

By introducing a carbon tax at a moderate level this year and presenting a clear schedule of increasing tax rates in the future, the government will give BC businesses time to adjust their long term planning and begin investing for a low emission future. Recently the National Round Table on the Economy and the Environment argued that this approach to environmental taxation will provide the policy certainty and predictability which is key to sound business investment.

Your government has shown bold leadership by raising the possibility of a revenue neutral carbon tax for BC. We urge you to follow through and introduce the tax in this year's budget.

Sincerely,

  • Nigel Fitzpatrick, Acquire Innovations Corp (Vancouver)
  • Mike Elwood, Azure Dynamics (Burnaby)
  • Kolin Lymworth, Banyen Books (Vancouver)
  • George Tomes, Bayleaf Software (Vancouver)
  • Paul Bogaert, Bike Doctor Bicycle Shop (Vancouver and Burnaby)
  • Juan Camilo Cortes Aguirre, Black Gold Compost (Vancouver)
  • Laurent Mingo, Blue System Integration Ltd. (Vancouver)
  • Randy Burke, Bluewater Adventures Ltd. (North Vancouver)
  • Gord Pincock, Butterfly Tours - Sea Kayak Haida Gwaii (Sechelt)
  • David Laulainen, Catalyst Creative Inc. (Vancouver)
  • Donna Morton, Centre for Integral Economics (Victoria)
  • Karri Schuermans, Chambar Restaurant (Vancouver)
  • Marc Stoiber, Change (Vancouver)
  • Kierstin De West, Ci:conscientious innovation (Vancouver)
  • Alasdair Gordon, President Claymore Development Co. Ltd. (Vancouver)
  • Dave Myles, Community Business and Professionals Association of Canada (Vancouver)
  • Michael Magee, Convergence Communications (Vancouver)
  • Jack Boyle, Cooler Skies Company (Vancouver)
  • Dr. John MacDonald, Day4 Energy Inc. (Burnaby)
  • Shannon McPhail, DVS Productions (Kispiox)
  • Kevin Pegg, EA Energy Alternatives Ltd. (Victoria)
  • Mark Pezarro, Earthvoice Strategies Incorporated (Vancouver)
  • Toby Barazzuol, Eclipse Awards (Vancouver)
  • Colin McKerracher, Energy Aware Technology Inc. (Vancouver)
  • Nick Farina, Enerpro Systems Corp. (North Vancouver)
  • Gord Pincock and Bruce Wilson, Evolution Guide School (Sechelt)
  • Denise Taschereau, Fairware Promotional Products Ltd. (Vancouver)
  • Gil Yaron, Frogfile Office Essentials (Vancouver)
  • Gene Allen, GJ Rodeo Company (Kispiox)
  • Damian Kettlewell, Great Bear Pub & Liquor Store (Burnaby)
  • Monica Sheardown, GreenDreams Productions (Vancouver)
  • Juergen and Marilyn Hansen, The Green Group, Facilitators (Summerland)
  • André LaRivière Green Table Network (Vancouver)
  • Gary Harper, Harper and Associates Conflict Resolution Ltd. (Burnaby)
  • Harvey McKinnon, Harvey McKinnon and Associates (Vancouver)
  • Marie-LN Fortin, Hilltrip (Vancouver)
  • Louise Mangan, House Karma Design Inc. (Vancouver)
  • Svetlana Tkacova, International Composting Corporation (Victoria)
  • Tom Norman, KAPOW Creative (Vancouver)
  • Jim Allen, Kispiox Fishing Company (Kispiox)
  • Simon Fawkes, Land of Green Ginger Ltd. and Blue Coral Studios Inc. (Vancouver)
  • Lorien Henson, LimeLight Event Marketing Inc. (Vancouver)
  • Steve McPhail, Liquid Elements Contracting (Kispiox)
  • Madeleine Shaw, Lunapads International (Vancouver)
  • Kevin Smith, Maple Leaf Adventures (Victoria)
  • Catherine Taylor-Hell, M.K. Ince and Associates Ltd. (Vancouver)
  • Pierre E. Gallant Morrison Hershfield (Vancouver)
  • David Labistour, Mountain Equipment Co-op MEC (Vancouver)
  • Denis and June Wood, Nechako Retreat (Vanderhoof)
  • Kevin Belanger, New Age Ventures, Inc.
  • Nina Winham, New Climate Strategies (Vancouver)
  • Robert Safrata, CEO and Ken Johnston, President Novex Couriers (Richmond)
  • James Tansey, Offsetters Climate Neutral Society (Vancouver)
  • Bill Swan, Osprey Communications and Greenman Sustainable Building (Invermere)
  • Allison Boulton, Paradise Ranch Wines Corp. (Vancouver)
  • Ken Martin, Passion for Action
  • Shelly Penner, PENNER & ASSOCIATES Interior Design Inc. (Vancouver)
  • Edward Beggs, PlantDrive International (Salmon Arm)
  • Joel Solomon, Renewal Partners (Vancouver)
  • Heather Tremain, reSource Rethinking Building Inc. (Vancouver)
  • Suzanne Fielden, Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company (Vancouver)
  • Mickey McLeod, Salt Spring Coffee Company (Salt Spring Island)
  • Rebecca Ephraim, SharedVISION Magazine (Vancouver)
  • Douglas Gook, Silvequus Selection Systems and Spirit Dance Community Cooperative (Quesnel)
  • Scott Sinclair, Sinclair Environmental Solutions (Vancouver)
  • David Van Seters, Small Potatoes Urban Delivery SPUD (Vancouver)
  • Susan Todd, Solstice Sustainability Works Inc. (Burnaby)
  • Susan Fiedler, Soul Flower Inc. (Vancouver)
  • Bob Penner, Strategic Communications (Vancouver)
  • Barry Saxifrage, Stonebreaker Designs Ltd. (Mansons Landing)
  • Daphne Nederhorst, Sustainability-In-Action (Vancouver)
  • Susan Huber, Swiss Solar Tech Ltd. (Summerland)
  • Ben Banky, TallGrass (Vancouver)
  • Joe Thwaites, Taylor Munro Energy Systems Inc. (Delta)
  • Joerg "George" Rosset, TLH Heliskiing and Last Frontier Heliskiing (Vernon)
  • Raffi Cavoukian, Troubadour Music (Mayne Island)
  • AB Hansen, Turtle Island Organic Teas And Herbs (Vancouver)
  • Len Laycock, Upholstery Arts (Vancouver)
  • Rob Baxter, Vancouver Renewable Energy and EpiLogic Consulting (Vancouver)
  • Meeru and Vikram Vij, Vij's Restaurant (Vancouver)
  • Colin Grant, Visible Strategies (Vancouver)
  • David Demers, Westport Innovations (Vancouver)
  • Wilma Leung, WISA Healthy Homes (Vancouver)
  • Dominique Collin , Waterstone Strategies (Duncan)
  • Kris Klaasen, Working Design (Vancouver)
  • Nazir Mulji, Xantrex Technology Inc. (Vancouver)

Climate Change Lecture Series

January 14, 2008

Global Warming: More than Hot Air?
Dr. David Chapman,
Professor of Geophysics, Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Utah
Tuesday, February 5th 7 pm,
Canadian Memorial United Church

What is the science behind global warming? What do we know? What do we not know?

David Chapman is an award winning teacher and world renowned speaker who will guide you through a clear and concise review of the underlying evidence that global warming is caused by human activity. This talk will leave you with a better understanding of the problem and an optimistic view of our potential to solve it. Go here for more information

 

Global Warming: Spiritual Crisis and Opportunity
Bruce Sanguin,
Minister, Canadian Memorial United Church
Tuesday, February 19th, 7 pm,
Canadian Memorial United Church

How have we become so disconnected from the earth that sustains us, despite so much evidence that our planet is in crisis?

Bruce Sanguin is an inspirational speaker and author of Darwin, Divinity and the Dance of the Cosmos. He will explore how our isolating consumer culture has dampened our ability to draw meaning from the sacred world we live in, and how restoring a sense of wonder for the world can help rebuild this relationship. His talk will leave you inspired to reconnect with the planet and people to begin the task of restoring our climate. Go here for more information

 

Lessons for the Future from Canada's Climate Policy Failures
Dr. Mark Jaccard,
Professor of Resource Environmental Management at SFU
Tuesday, March 4th, 7 pm,
Canadian Memorial United Church

Decades of climate policy under different governments have failed to reduce or substantially slow the growth in greenhouse gas emissions in this country. How has this happened? How can we get out of this muddle so that Canada can do its share in the fight against global warming?

Mark Jaccard is a prize winning author of numerous books on climate and energy policy and will provide a critical review of the failed policies that have prevented Canada from meeting its emission targets. You will leave this talk with a better understanding of the polices that will and will not reduce emissions and an enhanced ability to evaluate government plans for action. Go here for more information

Support for a revenue-neutral carbon tax continues to grow in the BC faith community

December 14, 2007

We continue to be amazed at the broad base of support for a carbon tax in next year's BC budget. We received these two letters yesterday, the first on behalf of the Diocese of British Columbia for the Anglican Church, the second from the Canadian Memorial United Church in Vancouver.

 
 

Dear Minister Taylor

I am Ken Gray, an Anglican Priest in Colwood BC. I have for many years worked on ecological justice issues for the Anglican Church of Canada. In January 2006 I was privileged to meet with Dana Hayden and Matt Price (Conservation voters of BC) to discuss your government's policy direction in relation to energy policy and climate change mitigation.

It has been encouraging to note the development of this policy direction over the past twelve months.

With others I was encouraged to hear recently that you are considering a carbon tax in next years budget, and I want you to know that I fully support such a measure.

If BC is to reach its goal of a 33 percent reduction in emissions by 2020, we are going to need powerful tools like a carbon tax to get the job done. Simply offering consumers a series of subsidies and rebates will not lead to the changes in behaviour and decision making needed to get the job done.

I appreciate that a new tax will have to be introduced gradually so that individuals and firms have time to adjust. However, I urge you to initially set the tax at a level that will have a noticeable effect on decision making, and to commit to a transparent schedule of future increases so that businesses and consumers will be given a clear signal that they need to reduce emissions or pay the cost.

I understand that many economists argue for an initial tax of $30 per tonne, rising to $75 to $150 per tonne over time, and I support these targets.

I also want you to know that I support a shift of taxes from income to carbon emissions, in order to keep the tax revenue neutral and avoid undue impact on those less well off members of our communities.

Finally, I urge you to call on your cabinet colleagues to introduce regulations requiring higher efficiency standards and cleaner fuels, in order to make new low emission technologies and fuels available in anticipation of increasing taxes on those emissions.

Looking forward to your government's continued leadership in this area,

Kenneth J. Gray
Chair, Environment Committee
Anglican Diocese of British Columbia
Rector, Parish of Colwood and Langford
Canadian Representative, Anglican Communion Environmental Network

copy to:
Premier Campbell
Carole James

 
 
The Honourable Carole Taylor,
Minister of Finance
P.O.Box 9048, Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9E2
 
 

December 12, 2007

Dear Minister Taylor:

At our recent meeting of the Environment Ministry team at Canadian Memorial United Church we voted to forward you this letter supporting your initiative to introduce a Revenue-neutral Carbon Tax in the next BC Provincial Budget. There is growing support for this type of initiative in the faith communities.

It is important for our government to send a message to citizens about the need to significantly alter our behaviour with respect to use of fossil fuels if we are to have any impact on the current climate crisis. A carbon tax would be preferable over a cap and trade system, which has high costs to administer and produces no revenue, which our government can use to compensate more needy consumers. As well, a carbon tax can be gradually raised as it becomes more widely accepted.

Voluntary measures, we believe, have proven to be relatively ineffective.

Our Environment Ministry team now has approximately 27 participants compared to 6 when it was first formed four years ago; a sign that concern over our human impact on the environment is growing.

Introduction of a carbon tax will give everyone the message that we have a price to pay for damaging our planet's atmosphere and restoring it to health. It will help us think about reducing our emissions of CO2 and other Greenhouse Gases. BC will not be alone in this matter, as we understand that Quebec has plans to bring in a carbon tax in the near future.

As citizens of this planet that we hold sacred, we urge you to consider the introduction of this important action to help reduce our impact in a meaningful way. We thank you for your bold leadership.

Respectfully,

Russ Quinn
Environment Ministry Team
Canadian Memorial United Church

cc: The Honourable John Baird
cc: VTACC

 

We know that the Finance Minister, Carole Taylor, is taking public support into consideration as she decides whether or not to introduce a carbon tax in next year's budget. If you haven't yet told her that you support a shift of taxes from income to carbon emissions, there is still time to make your voice heard before the holidays. Please click on our carbon tax campaign link on the left to find out how to get involved.

Support for a carbon tax from an economist, an environmental lawyer and the former CEO of Shell Canada

November 30, 2007

B.C.'s carbon tax shift is smart public policy

CLIVE MATHER and NANCY OLEWILER AND STEWART ELGIE

November 29, 2007 Globe and Mail

B.C. Finance Minister Carole Taylor's idea of introducing a carbon tax, matched by cuts in other taxes, is a smart one: good for the climate and good for the economy. It is probably the single most effective step B.C. could take toward achieving the major cuts in greenhouse-gas emissions that Premier Gordon Campbell has promised.

Although many experts agree that a carbon tax of some sort would be a vital weapon in combatting climate change, Canadian politicians have been reluctant to go that route, for fear of being seen to raise taxes. B.C. is wisely steering clear of this conundrum by proposing a "tax shift," one that would offset the carbon tax revenues with tax cuts and incentives in other areas.

Economists have understood for nearly a century that a fundamental flaw in our market economy is its failure to fully account for impact on the environment. Indeed, in most of Canada, carbon is released into the atmosphere without any charge (and with few regulatory restrictions). That's despite the fact that global warming will impose massive costs on society - as is already being witnessed in B.C.'s devastated pine forests, Ontario's lowering Great Lakes, and the Arctic's melting permafrost.

An elegant solution proposed by economists has been to intervene in what they call this "market failure" by charging the emitters a fee or a tax reflecting the cost of their emissions. In the case of carbon, applying a tax is simply the most efficient way of kick-starting reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions.

Would such a tax shift raise overall costs for industry and consumers? Likely not on the whole. Certainly, prices will move; carbon-intensive goods and services will become more expensive, while other goods and services will become relatively cheaper. And that is a good thing: Companies that lower their emissions will become more competitive, and consumers will have an incentive to buy green products.

Tax shifting can achieve this win-win because it is revenue neutral; it raises taxes on harmful emissions (which we want less of) and lowers taxes on things such as income, employment or investment (which we want more of). Some of the revenues from a carbon tax, for example, could be used to reduce income taxes, and some could go into a green technology fund that would leverage industry investments in new clean technologies. Such an approach would spur innovation to find low-cost ways of lowering greenhouse-gas emissions.

So a carbon tax shift stands a real chance to link the health of the environment with the health of the economy, and to bolster both. And that's exactly what's begun to happen in countries that have set a price on carbon. The canonical example is Germany. In 1999, it began to phase in higher taxes on electricity, gasoline, fuel oil and natural gas. The government used the new tax revenues to finance reductions in social security contributions from both employers and employees. The reforms included special protections for vulnerable industries and low-income individuals to ensure they weren't disproportionately affected (an important lesson for B.C. to follow). The result: 250,000 new jobs and a reduction of 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in 2003 alone (equivalent to taking five million cars off the road) - and a significant step toward the much deeper cuts needed to prevent dangerous climate change.

In Canada, a growing chorus of voices is now calling on our politicians to follow suit. A recent GlobeScan poll found that four out of five Canadians favour raising taxes on energy sources that cause climate change if other taxes are reduced by the same amount. And last month, 70 professors of economics and business in B.C. wrote to Ms. Taylor urging her to include a revenue-neutral carbon tax in her next budget. Blue-chip economists, think tanks, businesses and environmentalists are urging governments to put a price on carbon emissions.

There is no simple answer to climate change. To stabilize and then reduce carbon in the atmosphere will require change on an international scale. Businesses and consumers will need to pay more attention to managing their carbon emissions. But, as a first step, sound fiscal policy will provide a vital incentive and increase awareness. A cleverly designed carbon tax - one that is phased in over time, recycles the revenue, and protects vulnerable members of society - will prove that government can serve the environment and the economy at the same time. It lays the foundation for truly sustainable prosperity.

No wonder B.C. is looking at a carbon tax shift - it's smart public policy. The big question is whether B.C.'s political leaders have the courage to implement it.

Clive Mather retired as president and CEO of Shell Canada in June. Nancy Olewiler is a professor of economics and director of the public policy program at Simon Fraser University. Stewart Elgie is a professor of environmental law at the University of Ottawa. All are members of the Sustainable Prosperity Initiative.

Carbon Tax Campaign Update

November 28, 2007

Unitarian Church of Vancouver calls for a provincial carbon tax!

Early this week the Unitarian Church of Vancouver -- located in Carole Taylor's riding -- sent a resolution to the Finance Minister calling on the province to introduce a carbon tax. The resolution was first passed 9 years ago at their national AGM -- they were way ahead of most of us on this. Here is the text of the resolution:

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1999 Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Unitarian Council urge appropriate levels of government to initiate carbon taxes, including an additional gasoline tax of fifteen cents per litre per year for the next five years, and to apply a portion of these funds toward the development of safe, alternative fuels. This will nearly bring the tax up to the European level.

(A fifteen cent per litre tax on fuel is equivalent to a $60 per tonne tax on carbon dioxide.)

Messages in favour of a carbon tax are pouring in to the Finance Minister

The response to our call for citizens to send a message to the finance minister has been tremendous. There is clear public support for a carbon tax in next year's budget, as documented by the overflowing in-box of our email. Thanks to everyone who has copied their messages to us. Support continues to grow on our facebook group BC Needs a Carbon Tax! as well.

It is clear that the public is looking to the provinces to lead the fight on climate change right now, given that our federal government appears to be in complete denial about the problem. If you haven't made your voice heard yet on the need for a carbon tax, please go here to start. Five minutes of your time now may make a world of difference for our future.

Even if you are not from BC you can still show your support for bold leadership on the government's part. Change has to start somewhere -- let's all encourage BC to lead the way!

Help ensure BC gets a carbon tax in next year's budget!

November 19, 2007

BC's finance minister, Carole Taylor, recently stated that the time may be right to introduce a carbon tax in BC. The minister has since begun consultation with economists and others to determine how such a tax could be implemented. This is great news!

However, we need to keep in mind that those opposed to a carbon tax are also at work trying to water down proposed measures. Right now it is crucial the public keeps pressure on the BC government to ensure it follows through with a tax substantial enough to influence decision making and reduce emissions. If we sit back, there is a good chance that any tax introduced will amount to window dressing -- the appearance of action, but without any impact on greenhouse gas emissions.

If any government in Canada can successfully introduce a meaningful carbon tax, it will be the current BC government. It has the support of the business community, and Premier Gordon Campbell is personally committed to taking serious action to reduce emissions. However, action may not happen without public support -- let's not miss the opportunity! Help us send 100 letters to Finance Minister Carole Taylor in support of a carbon tax.

Please go here to find out how you can make your voice heard on this important issue in just a few minutes.

VTACC is having a party, and you're invited to help celebrate a year of community action on climate change!

November 14, 2007

Start the holiday season November 30th with an evening of live jazz at the Wired Monk along with community members concerned about climate change. Network with like-minded individuals from various organisations. Check out some locally produced arts and crafts and get a jump on your holiday shopping while helping to support VTACC. We hope to see you there!

It's official! BC is "considering" a carbon tax for next years budget!

October 26, 2007

Finance Minister Carole Taylor received the following open letter from more than 70 BC Economists urging her to include a revenue neutral carbon tax in the 2008 budget. Read her response in the Globe and Mail below.

Dear Minister Taylor,

We are writing to urge you to include a revenue neutral carbon tax in your upcoming budget. Your government identified action on global warming as a critical policy goal. We believe that a carbon tax is the most efficient and effective way to reach that goal.

A carbon tax would consist of adding a tax to the price of carbon intensive fuels (e.g., oil, gas or coal) when they are sold in BC. Such a tax would induce consumers of carbon-intensive products to switch to more environmentally friendly goods. It would also induce firms to find more environmentally friendly ways to produce.

Right now the prices of the goods we buy don't fully capture the costs to the environment of making those goods. A carbon tax will make the prices more accurately reflect all the costs of making a good.

The carbon tax could be made revenue neutral by offsetting increased carbon taxes with cuts in other taxes (e.g., the income tax). As a result, the average British Columbian family would see no change in its after-tax income. Families would still, however, have incentives to change their consumption patterns to make them more environmentally friendly. Even with the same income, if gas prices increase, families will choose to drive less, for example.

A carbon tax is superior to regulatory mandates because it allows both ordinary citizens and firms to adjust in the way that is best for them. It will also provide incentives for people to innovate, finding more environmentally friendly ways to produce and to live. In contrast, regulatory mandates force a "one size fits all" approach, are likely more costly to administer, and will always be one step behind in terms of the environmental technologies being applied.

In order not to impose too large a burden on BC businesses, the tax could be phased in with clearly announced steps. The initial steps may be small. This would allow BC firms time to innovate and adjust. All firms in all jurisdictions will eventually face requirements related to addressing climate change. Quebec is introducing a carbon tax in October of this year, for example.

We recognize that implementing a carbon tax involves complex decisions, including how to mitigate its impact both on the least well-off in our society and on BC firms. We stand ready to help the BC government develop an effective plan.

There is a growing consensus that the time to act on climate change is now. The most effective way to address problems related to carbon consumption is with a carbon tax. With a carbon tax, we can have a cleaner environment, a stronger economy, and a brighter future for our children.

 

Carbon Tax Letter Signatories:

 

University of British Columbia

Economics
Siwan AndersonViktoria Hnatkovska
Paul BeaudryAtsushi Inoue
Mathilde BombardiniTsvetanka Karagyozova
Gorkem CelikAshok Kotwal
Clive ChappleAmartya Lahiri
Brian CopelandThomas Lemieux
Michael DevereuxKevin Milligan
Erwin DiewertHugh Neary
Catherine DouglasDonald Paterson
Mauricio DrehlichmanMichael Peters
Mukesh EswaranAngela Redish
Patrick FrancoisW. Craig Riddell
Giovanni GallipoliShinichi Sakata
Robert GatemanHenry Siu
David GreenRashid Sumaila
Yoram HalevyWilliam Troost
Joseph HenrichOkan Yilankaya
Sauder School of Business
Richard BarichelloThomas Ross
Anthony BoardmanRatna Shrestha
Keith HeadVeikko Theile
Thomas HellmanIlan Vertinsky
Sanghoon LeeRalph Winter
Peter Nemetz
Faculty of Land and Food Systems
Richard BarichelloSumeet Gulati
Katherine BaylisJames Vercammen

 

Simon Fraser University

Economics
Steeve MongrainArthur Robson
Gordon MyersNicolas Schmitt
Krishna PendakurSimon Woodcock
Public Policy
Dominique GrossJohn Richards
Jonathan Kesselman
School of Resource and Environmental Management
Mark Jaccard

 

University of Victoria

Economics
Merwan EngineerHerbert Schuetz
Martin FarnhamPaul Schure
Elisabeth GuglDavid Scoones
Malcolm RutherfordG. Cornelius van Kooten

 

University of Northern British Columbia

Paul BowlesFiona MacPhail
Ajit Dayanandan

 

Read Minister Taylor's response in the Globe and Mail:

The New Climate: B.C. mulls economic impact of carbon tax

Opposition to the Gateway Project gaining momentum!

October 25, 2007

More and more people are asking how much longer Gordon Campbell, our Premier with the vision of a climate friendly future, can continue to justify the government's plans for massive highway and port expansion in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Vancouver Sun columnist Pete McMartin has asked the question three times recently in his column. All are worth checking out:

Automobile's curious lure about laziness, not lack of transit

Gateway project promises have hefty environmental price

Port Mann twinning will only likely lead to tripling it later

See also this recent opinion piece in the Vancouver Sun by Ian Bruce of the Suzuki Foundation:

Campbell's vision collides with Falcon's freeway plans

To find out more about the Gateway Project and the groups supporting alternatives to it, check out these sites:

The Liveable Region Coalition http://www.livableregion.ca/

Stop Gateway http://www.stopgateway.ca/

A further chance to make your voice heard on carbon taxes:

BC Budget public submission deadline extended to Friday October 26!

October 23, 2007

By popular demand, the BC finance committee has extended the deadline for public input by one week on its Budget 2008 public consultation process. You can quickly and easily tell the provincial government that you support carbon taxes by heading to this on line submission form: https://www.leg.bc.ca/budgetconsultations/survey.asp Click on the link and in five minutes you too can have the satisfaction of having urged the province to adopt the single most effective tool in fighting climate change: a carbon tax. Check out the previous blog below to find out more about carbon taxes, or have a look at this 8 minute video discussion of the topic with BC energy economist Mark Jaccard: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Q-5YsCFBGfw.

Several of our group had the chance to make an oral presentation to the finance committee last week. The committee members are aware of the concept of a revenue-neutral carbon tax, which we support, but they need to know that there is broad public support for this measure. It is likely that there will not be any action out of our federal government in the near future, so leadership will have to come from the provinces. Let's start the ball rolling with BC's next budget. If you haven't done so already, please take 5 minutes today to through your support behind this important measure: let the government know that we want real action on climate change, not just stirring speeches!

BC needs a carbon tax!

October 3, 2007

British Columbia has established a consultation process around its 2008 Budget and has invited the public to present its concerns and priorities. We here at VTACC think that this is a key opportunity to push British Columbia towards implementing a carbon tax – possibly the single most effective tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The government of BC has shown a desire to take on a leadership role in reducing emissions. We want to encourage them to move beyond bold targets and into effective action. You can help by sending in a submission to the budget consultation committee.

Why a Carbon Tax?

For some time different organisations have been advocating the use of a carbon tax as the most straightforward way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It's a simple and effective idea – taxing carbon containing fuels when they are first sold, so that the higher price encourages individuals and companies to switch to less carbon intensive goods and services – but in the current political climate politicians are leery of introducing a new tax as a way of solving our problems. Gordon Campbell said as much when we met with him last month. We need to show the government that there is a broad base of support for a carbon tax as an efficient way of reducing emissions.

Learn more about carbon taxes

Find out how you to provide input to the Budge 2008 consultation process

We Challenge the Conservative Party of Canada to a Car Race!

July 05, 2007

If they win, they have to bring Bill C30 back before the House this fall for a vote, and implement a $30 per tonne tax on carbon effective January 1 2008. If we win, they have to bring back Bill C30 for a vote, implement a $50 carbon tax, and Prime Minister Harper has to wear one of our "I'm looking for REAL action….on CLIMATE CHANGE" t-shirts during question period everyday during the next session of the House.

Why all this focus on politics?

July 03, 2007

We have had some interesting conversations will people lately who ask us why we focus on political and not personal action on climate change. Some people are deeply suspicious of political promises and cynical about political posturing, and they doubt that any party would take serious action on climate change if it formed a government. Why not just rally people to reduce emissions from their own personal activities instead?

We still are optimistic that at least some of our political parties take global warming seriously and would implement the tough measures necessary to reduce emissions if they were in government – especially if they realised that citizen concern about global warming was what brought them to power. And tough measures by government are necessary, because even if many of us sat on our hands in darkened rooms for the next year, our countries emissions would continue to rise – given plans to quadruple oil sands production, among other things.

Nonetheless, we recognise that if you apportion Canada's emissions by end use, a big chunk of our national contribution to global warming comes from driving cars, home heating and cooling, and other personal activities, so personal action is important. However, we are leery of politicians who put sole emphasis on personal responsibility for voluntary emissions reductions, and don't talk about the urgent (and unpopular) need for things like regulations and carbon taxes to help get emissions from household and industrial sources down. We don't want people to think that they don't have the right to demand that government take action simply because they aren't living like a monk themselves. (And lets face it: some people aren't going to make the changes in lifestyle needed unless government forces them to).

So please don't give up on political action. Consider sending in one of our postcards to the government in Ottawa and putting one of our lawn signs up in your yard. Contact the opposition parties and demand to know why they aren't fighting harder to force the government to act on this problem. Write a letter to your premier asking what actions they are taking to start reducing emissions immediately. Ask your mayor and council what sort of measures they will use to reduce urban emissions. Don't be satisfied with bold promises of reduction targets – they are meaningless without actions to back them up.

Finally, if you haven't taken steps to reduce your personal emissions, what are you waiting for? There are lots of organisations out there with tips and information on how to get it done. Many of their suggestions will also save you money and improve your health. Keep in mind that changes like this are easier to do if you work together with your neighbours and friends. Local emission reduction groups are springing up all over the place – check out our What You Can Do page to find out more.

Archive -- 2007

April - June